Executive By Escape Lounge Manchester Airport Terminal 2

What's the 'New' Executive By Escape Lounge in Manchester?

I got a little excited yesterday when I heard about this 'new' lounge in Terminal 2, and reading the comments seeing people say things such as 'it's cheaper than the other lounges' I was drawn in. Looks like I was drawn in by the bots! It's actually the 1903 Lounge renamed. Noticeable is the fact that this starts booking from 1st July and it is anticipated the new Emirates Lounge opens in June. It appears to me it's get it back to normal and then rebrand.

Where's the 'New' Executive By Escape Lounge in Manchester?

I did also wonder if the extension to the lounge that airlines such as Emirates have been using was going to be used for this new lounge. However, that extension, which used to be part of the normal T2 Escape Lounge, doesn't have windows and the 'new' lounge advertises airfield view. Some of the photos / images look quite like the existing self service food area, but nothing shows the amazing bar of the 1903 Lounge, so it look like they are literally just renaming the old 1903.

What Changes?

I noticed that the new lounge states you can enter it for 2.5 hours pre flight. Escape Lounge is 3 hours and 1903 is 2 hours, so looks like they are closing that disparity a little. Apart from that we can't take anything as guaranteed from the images so looks like everything else stays the same, including pricing.

Which terminal is Executive By Escape Lounge Manchester?

It will be in Terminal 2 and currently showing available from 1st July 2026. From security, head through duty free into the terminal and then up to the first floor where many of the restaurants are located. Signs will clearly lead you to the Executive By Escape and Escape Lounges, which share a check in.

Is the Executive By Escape lounge worth it?

It really depends on your wants and habbits. We typically turn up at the airport as early as possible because we enjoy being there and we'd rather be there early than cutting it fine in traffic. With the Executive By Escape lounge you are allowed 2.5 hours from the time that you book, and in that time you can help yourself to food and drink.

We'd normally otherwise be in an airport restaurant, followed by a coffee stop and then fighting to find somewhere to sit. So a guaranteed seat with a fixed price for the food and drink is well worth it for us.

The Executive By Escape Lounge is a bit pricey and it might be slightly cheaper to eat in the restaurants, but the freedom to help yourself, not being rushed out of the restaurant in 20 minutes and just the pure luxury of sitting there enjoying yourself seems worth it to me.

What is included in Executive By Escape Lounge?

A lot and it's all included! Beer, wine and champagne are available on a help yourself basis from a couple of bars. Hot drinks machines are dotted around the lounge again to easily help yourself. I did struggle to find lemonade, but I think I spotted alcohol free beer!

Food is regularly topped up in a buffet style with 2 or 3 choices of main meal, plus soups, sandwiches, cheese, pastries and cakes. Plus, I discovered recently, if you look below counter level by the pastries there's a freezer full of ice cream pots to help yourself to.

Free wifi is available to guests whilst in the airport lounge and flight information screens show you up to date gate and boarding information.

Is the Executive By Escape Lounge Adults only

Sort of... 16 year olds can go in when accompanied by adults, but no groups of more than 5 are allowed. However, children under 16 can enter if they are travelling on one of the partner airlines in premium classes, so you might have younger company.

Can I pay on the day?

You can, but it's a risk that you might not get in or might be delayed getting in. Terminal 2 can be a lot more predictable and if it's a quiet time then you can probably walk straight in. On a recent visit we were the only 2 customers for an hour, then another couple joined us for the 2nd hour. On other occaisions the lounge has been full with signs by reception warning people there's no more availability. This is probably when there are a few flights plus Qatar / Etihad passengers using the lounge.

Can I see out?

Yes, but not the best view of the airport. This will change in time as there's building work right outside of the window. At the moment all that you currently see as far as aircraft are concerned are those coming and going from the newest pier of Terminal 2. However, that can include the A380, A350 or Boeing 777 & 787 from Emirates, Etihad, Qatar, Virgin and more. Plus if you look straight out you do get a view of either the inbound aircraft just before they land or the ourbound just after take off.

How long can you stay in the Executive By Escape Lounge at Manchester airport?

Depending where you read you can get different answers, but when you check in you are given a card and your expected exit time is hand written on this so that "staff know when to expect your table to become free". The time written on the card is 2.5 hours after you booked into the lounge, so that's how long you are allowed to stay here.

Who can use Executive By Escape Lounge in Manchester Airport

Adults in small groups can use the group, regardless of ticket class if travelling out of Terminal 2. Large groups are not allowed - clearly stated in the booking conditions. And there is a dress code so groups in matching outfits, wearing large or offensive logos etc are not permitted to use the lounge facilities. Although there's a lot of food and drink on offer, it's a family lounge not a party lounge.

Several of the major airlines use the Executive By Escape lounge for their business class offering. Apart from the Emirates Business Class Lounge no airlines have their own lounge in Manchester so they will either put you in the Executive By Escape lounge, the Aspire Lounge in Terminal 1 and I the Aspire in Terminal 2 may now also be used by Lufthansa, Icelandair etc.

How to book Executive By Escape Lounge Manchester Airport

You can go to the official Manchester Airport website to book this and other Manchester Lounges. Some resellers also offer the lounge and you might get a discount there.